JULY 19-25, 2010
This week, read about why $33.5 million from the Capital Improvement Board won't solve all the Indiana Pacers' problems and see what Shelby County officials have planned for millions in tax revenue from Indiana Live casino. In Focus, check out what changes are in store for employers in the wake of health care reform. And in A&E, get Style columnist Gabrielle Poshadlo's take on making old stuff new again.
Front PageBack to Top
Hospitals map out ways to bypass insurers
Clarian Health is launching its own health insurance plan, the boldest of several initiatives at Indianapolis hospitals to
bypass health insurers and provide health benefits directly to employers.
Children’s Museum plans neighborhoods’ revitalization
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is about to expand its role in urban redevelopment. It has already invested more than
$1 million in the half-dozen blocks around its campus on North Meridian Street, and now plans to help create a comprehensive
plan for an area that encompasses six nearby neighborhoods.
Brizzi hires ex-partner to handle public records requests
Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi has hired his former legal partner and personal attorney to field public records requests.
Locally based Collignon & Dietrick PC is responsible for review and production of Prosecutor’s Office e-mails, contracts,
case files and other documents requested by members of the media or public.
Top StoriesBack to Top
CIB deal won’t fix all of Pacers’ woes
The $33.5 million the Capital Improvement Board is providing the Indiana Pacers is merely a Band-Aid that will do little to
solve serious short-term and long-term issues facing the team.
Shelbyville, county plan economic development projects
Millions of dollars in tax revenue that flows from the Indiana Live casino to local government coffers will be set aside for
economic development. Shelbyville Mayor Scott Furgeson hopes to present new projects to the city council in the next month
or two.
Ballard takes aim at vacant homes
If Mayor Greg Ballard successfully closes the $1.9 billion sale of the city’s water and sewer utilities to Citizens Energy,
some of the proceeds will be used to bulldoze or rehabilitate 2,000 to 4,500 abandoned, unsafe homes during the next two years.
Banker who wreaked havoc fesses up to felony charge
Overseeing a portfolio filled with deteriorating loans is downright
excruciating, as lending officers who’ve lived through the carnage of the recession can attest. Rob Tolle apparently
cracked under the pressure.
Interactive Intelligence partners on social media application
The Indianapolis software company has partnered with Cambridge, Mass.-based Buzzient Inc. to allow clients to monitor chatter
about them on Facebook and other sites.
Proposed air pollution rule could cost utilities
Indiana’s utilities are scrambling to assess the cost of tighter air pollution limits proposed this month by the Environmental Protection Agency that could drive up electric rates.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
Health care reform means changes for Indiana employers
Nearly four months after President Barack Obama signed a health reform bill into law, businesses are still grappling with its
impact on the health benefits they offer their employees.
OpinionBack to Top
EDITORIAL: Deal for Pacers is worth making
Conseco Fieldhouse does not belong to the Pacers, but to the city. And we need the Indiana Pacers.
Read MoreMORRIS: It’s crunch time with five months left in 2010
There is still a lot of ground to cover before the sun sets on the year.
But the time will go by quickly.
MARCUS: Indiana jobs situation is improving
The bleeding seems to have stopped where job loss is concerned, but it’s not time to pat ourselves on the back.
Read MoreCORLEY: Help a child and who knows where he’ll go?
Consider these alarming statistics: More than 6,700 Marion County students drop out of school every single year. Dropouts
earn $9,200 less per year than high school graduates, and earn $1 million less over a lifetime than college graduates.
ALTOM: How long will our ‘Net neutrality last?
Cable giant Comcast has fanned a typical smoldering Internet grumble-fest into a major screaming match, complete with a lawsuit
and cries for federal intervention. The outcome may affect how much it costs you and me to do business across the ’Net.
HICKS: To spend or cut taxes, that is the question
The stimulus and array of bailouts have thus far done little to boost the economy. Neither is there good evidence they kept
things from getting worse.
HAUKE: Future of car stocks may be electrifying
At some point, fuel cells may answer the hype they’ve lived under the last 15 years.
Read MoreBond swap story was valuable
I just wanted to say “well done” regarding your [July 5] article [on bond swaps]. The subject of your report
has been a topic near and dear to my heart for about two years.
Amos Brown has been boon to city
I thought your [July 5] article on Amos Brown was very well-done.
Read MoreIt takes time to appreciate soccer
I decided
to read [Bill Benner’s June 28 column]—see, whenever there is soccer involved, my blood runs faster, my pulse gallops and my
mind expands beyond reality.
Right employees are critical
Good [column by Mickey Maurer in the July 12 issue]. I agree with you that the right people make all the difference
in the world.
Crisis advice was dead-on
I want to thank you for your crisis tips in [Bruce Hetrick’s June 28 column]. You not only provided thoughtful commentary,
you helped me win an argument with the hubby.
John Wooden essay was in poetry mag
I just came across [Bill Benner’s] touching June 14 article, and am excited to point out to you John Wooden’s
article, “The Great Scorer,” in the July/August issue of Poetry magazine.
In BriefBack to Top
Cummins gets upgrade from Moody’s
The company’s rating rose one notch because it has taken steps to insulate itself from economic downturns.
Read MoreIndyFringe Festival show spotlights teen relationships
The festival has added a play called “don’t u luv me?” that explores how signs of affection can morph into
controlling abuse through text messages.
Kansas City arts executive named general manager of new Carmel center
Douglas Tatum, former executive director of the Arts Foundation of Kansas City, will start at the Center for the Performing
Arts July 26.
Illinois firm to build used oil plant in Speedway
The $40 million project along West 10th Street could create 75 jobs by 2013.
Read MoreWellPoint strikes up chat on health reform
WellPoint Inc. is turning from opponent of the health care reform law passed in March to “trusted adviser.” It launched a website, healthychat.com, where company representatives answer customers’ questions about the new health reform law.
Read MoreIndianapolis launches online GIS complaint system
Indianapolis residents can now go online to tell city officials about annoying potholes, knee-high weeds in their neighbor's
yard or stray animals roaming the area.
Restaurants eye new locations from Carmel to Greenwood
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, which will take the old Bahama Breeze space on East 96th Street, is one of four that are
planned.
NFP of NOTE: Central Indiana Land Trust
Through land protection, stewardship and education, the Central Indiana Land Trust protects natural areas, improving air
and water quality and enhancing life in our communities for present and future generations.